Architects: Maignial Architectes & Associés, Mathieu Collos Architecture
Area: 1040 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: 11h45
Structure: Cabinet Delorme
Category: Housing
Program / Use / Building Function: Housing
Associate Architect: Collos architecture
Fluides: BET Durand
Economist: Marc Cusy
Municipality: Clapiers
Country: France
10 Patios Villa social housing project designed by Maignial Architectes & Associés in Clapiers, France introduces a group of ten patio villas organized around a central landscaped area within the “Le Castelet” urban development zone. Located on a gently sloping 1858 m² plot, the site is divided into two clusters of six and four units, integrating vehicle parking and shared pedestrian access. The south/southwest orientation informs the layout, encouraging light-filled interiors and private outdoor spaces. Three housing typologies—T3, T4a, and T4b—establish spatial rhythm and volume variation, while high parapets conceal rooftop photovoltaic panels and allow for future technical integration. Privacy and solar access are optimized through staggered guardrails, screened parking with integrated storage, and preserved planting bands along plot boundaries. Fencing between units is executed in light-colored powder-coated metal, and façades use fine scraped white render. A minimal material palette and simple forms support clear spatial organization and adaptability across the development.
The project is situated within the boundaries of the “Le Castelet” urban development zone (ZAC) in the municipality of Clapiers. The designated site is located on “Island I,” Lot 1, and covers an area of 1858 m². The land features a gentle slope descending from north to south. The objective of the project is to build ten “patio” villas designated as social housing with an option for future purchase. These villas are organized into two groups, one consisting of six units and the other of four, arranged around a centrally landscaped area that includes parking.
The typology of Island I1 prompts consideration of the relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The design process begins with the optimal south/southwest orientation of the housing units as a guiding principle. The ZAC guidelines steer the design toward a composition of simple, well-crafted volumes, alternating between solid and void to generate intimate spaces and a rhythmic sequence of built forms.
The built area on the ground floor occupies 50% of the total constructible area, while the first floor covers 80% of the ground floor’s built footprint. This strategy allows for the inclusion of generous outdoor spaces and private terraces on the upper level. The project defines three housing typologies: 2 units of type T3, 5 units of type T4a, and 3 units of type T4b. This distribution results in an irregular rhythm and variation in the built volumes. The terrace roofs feature high parapets, measuring 1 meter, which provide visual screening for the photovoltaic panels and any future technical installations.
The outdoor spaces of the homes are designed to maximize both privacy and sunlight exposure. Each housing typology includes an outdoor area measuring at least 30% of the patio surface, along with one fruit tree. Vehicle parking is concealed from view by a masonry bench that also functions as a storage unit for items such as bicycles. A lightweight external staircase connects the patio to the terrace on the first floor, facilitating direct access between levels.
Earth bands are maintained along the fences to support the future planting of vegetation. The layout of the patio houses results in a substantial amount of built volume positioned along the plot boundaries. The spaces between these volumes are addressed using powder-coated metal fences. Technical boxes and mailboxes are incorporated into small masonry sections placed between the fences. On the upper-floor terraces, guardrails are set back from the neighboring plot. This setback serves to enhance sunlight access for adjacent properties while also reducing direct views between homes, thereby preserving privacy.
The pedestrian square links the two clusters of villas. In response to the municipality’s request, this space is designed with simplicity to accommodate a variety of uses. The landscaped area, which includes fruit trees, is intersected by a concrete pathway. The material palette is intentionally minimal to maintain visual clarity throughout the project. Construction uses fine scraped white render, and masonry fences are finished with the same treatment. The ground floor wall on the west facade features patterned concrete using the Reckli Travertin model. Metalwork, including guardrails and fences, is made from light-colored metal. All joinery is white, and roller shutter boxes are concealed from public view.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Clapiers, 34830, Hérault, Occitanie, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
